Aircraft maintenance project of Thai Airways, Airbus

BANGKOK, March 9 (TNA) -- Thai Airways International (THAI) and Airbus Co on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a feasibility study for an aircraft maintenance facility project at U-Tapao airport in the eastern province of Rayong. The study is expected to finish within this year and its public-private investment process will follow next year. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak presided over the signing for the project aimed at developing U-Tapao airport into an aircraft maintenance centre of Asia and the Pacific. In his visit for the signing, Airbus Commercial Aircraft President and CEO Fabrice Bregier met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and said Airbus was delivering 40 per cent of its new aircraft to customers in Asia and therefore aircraft maintenance and related businesses had bright prospects. The signing showed a large-scaled transnational company’s confidence in Thailand. The study would be concluded within this year so that the public-private investment process of the project would begin next year, said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid. Acting THAI President Usanee Saengsingkaew said the airline was ready for the project implementation regarding its aircraft maintenance personnel and facilities. She assured that the study and investment would be accelerated as the project would support the sustainability of Thailand and its aviation. Mr Bregier said demands for aircraft maintenance were growing rapidly as the number of aircraft in the region would rise by three folds or more than 15,000 aircraft in 20 years. He viewed that the project would enable Thailand to expand its aviation-related services. (TNA)